Here is a new picture for the database. This is Bible #51.

See: http://henryaltemus.com/bibles/bibles.htm

This series consists of ten titles. Each volume can be found in both green and brown limp velvet calf editions. Here is a example of the brown format.

For more information on Series 171, click here

Here is a picture of Book #1 — Format 1. The books of this two volume series are among the rarest of all Altemus books.

For more information on Series 107, click here

1917 was the last year that The Tale of Peter Rabbit appeared in this series. By 1918 this book and three other Peter Rabbit titles were part of their own series- Wee Folks Peter Rabbit Series.

Generally the third format of this series had a paste-on that was identical to a picture in the book. The picture used for the cover was never changing. In other words, books published in 1918 used the same picture as those published in 1933. Here is the exception.

The first book shown (3a) follows the rule. It uses a picture from page 11. The second book noted here (3a variant) uses the picture from page 7. All other books that I have seen with this title have the first picture (page 11) on the cover.

This is the only exception the the rule that I have ever seen.

#3a	#3a- variant

For more information on Series 186, click here

Here is a new picture for the database. It is book #1 in Format 4.
For more information about this series see: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series137.htm

Here are two books written by IK Marvel (pseudonym of Donald Grant Mitchell) which have the same format. They undoubtedly belong to the same series but which one is unclear. Both books have 1893 on the title page. The question is whether they belong to the Altemus Library (Series #37) or the Famous Red and White Series (Series #85). Rational arguments can be made for their inclusion in any of the two series.

The books have the same spine as is seen in the Famous Red and White Series. But the two 1893 titles already in this series have been seen and have different covers.

The Altemus Library books with these titles have different covers. The characteristic of this series is that all the titles had different covers. But some titles did have more than one cover and it is possible that these titles fit into that category. I suspect that this is the case but I cannot prove it.

Q: Can you provide information on this book.

Evangeline and Other Poems
Henry Altemus Company

If you could provide value, that would be nice.

A: Your book is part of the Petit Trianon Series. See: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series143.htm

During the years of this series’ publication, the cover and to a lesser degree the titles were changed every year or two.

The “pedestal” books were published in 1903-1904. If you look at the pictures, you can see that this format came in suede, pink, blue, and beige.

The suede books are the least common in this format but because the books are all late reprints, they have little value.

You never know when someone just has to have a certain book so you never can be certain what price a book might bring. Generally speaking though, your book only has nominal value.

Q: Can you help me identify this book? Can you tell me something of its value. Inside there is an inscription: “Florence Constance Kilbourn Xmas 1904 From Santa Claus Parkhill” that would be (Ontario, Canada).

A: Your book was published as part of the Beauxarts Series between 1899-1901. See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series48.htm.

It has only nominal value.

Q: I am wondering if this is a first edition and its approximate value.
Thank you so much for your time.

Weird Tales by Edgar Allen Poe
Illustrated
Henry Altemus Company
Copyright 1895 by Henry Altemus
258 pages Excellent condition ( It looks as if the book was never read)

A: Your book is part of the Vademecum Series which is a series of reprints. Your book is not a first edition. Altemus published no Poe first editions. This book was published in 1903. During this year the cover came in a number of colors with one of more than 40 illustrations. See http://henryaltemus.com/vademecum.htm for information.

Q: I’m looking for any information about this particular copy of this children’s book and the author. My copy is in great shape, no pages missing, the cover spotted but in tact. I believe it to be my grandmother’s, and I’m wanting to pass this along to my granddaughter for her birthday.

I find limited info about the author. The book has no publishing date, although I read that the original story was told about 1889, and no listing for the illustrator. Some internet data suggests with was published in Scribner, but we know better.

Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

A: Your book is part of the Beauxarts Series and was published in 1902. See http://henryaltemus.com/series/series48.htm. This series is comprised of numerous reprints.

Altemus published this title in numerous formats. A number of publishers printed this book before Altemus. Scribner did do an early edition but in fairness I am not sure who did the first edition. It may have been Blackie in London in 1894.

I have no independent knowledge about the author but looked up her obituary which appeared in the New York Times in 1936. There is much more about her life in various online sources.